Holiday overview

This Discovery Tour is ideal for anyone who wants to enjoy a leisurely tour of the Derbyshire Dales. The dramatic landscape is carved out of beautiful limestone, creating a rolling backdrop rich in variety. From the White Peak to the Dark Peak, the Dales feature tranquil river valleys, rugged caves, vast moorlands and picturesque villages and market towns. Take a trip to the imposing ruins of Peveril Castle, looming over historic Castleton, and enjoy a slice of Bakewell tart in the market town that gives it its name.

Holiday highlights

The small market town of Bakewell, where as a treat you could sample a piece of its famous ‘pudding’

Castleton, a picturesque Peak village sitting below ruined Peveril Castle, with its nearby caverns, and of course famous for the local Blue John stone

The superb ‘Palace of the Peak’ - Chatsworth House and gardens - the stately home of the Dukes of Devonshire

The fascinating 'plague' village of Eyam

Optional short strolls of up to 1½ miles

Price includes

High quality Full Board en-suite accommodation and excellent food in our Country House

The services of our knowledgeable HF Holidays’ leader, ensuring you get the most from your holiday

Full-day excursions with all transport on touring days in a good-quality, comfortable mini-coach with a PA system

In pictures...

Accommodation

The Peveril of the Peak occupies a wonderful position in the village of Thorpe, less than a mile from the famous stepping stones at the entrance to the Dove Dale gorge. Named after the novel by Sir Walter Scott, it offers excellent facilities and is surrounded by extensive grounds.

Choose your room

Classic Rooms• Check in from 2:30pm• Comfortable accommodation • En-suite bathroom with bath or shower• 23 inch TV• Hairdryer• Tea and coffee-making facilities• Double or two single beds• Toiletries• Single rooms are available at no extra charge

Family Rooms• Check-in from 2:30pm• 3 or 4 beds • Same facilities as our classic rooms• Full sized twin or double beds for adults and bunk or occasional beds for children

Facilities

• Excellent boot and drying rooms • Reception area and lounge on the ground floor• Newly refurbished dining room and a bar• Function room and additional bar upstairs• Free WiFi available in some public rooms• Range of board games and books

• Extensive grounds with a patio and garden with wide ranging views of countryside • Famous stepping stones at the base of Dove Dale, less than a mile away through a footpath that is linked to the car park• Tissington Trail is also nearby

Dining

All holidays at our Country Houses are full board accommodation including evening meal on arrival to breakfast on the day of your departure. All of our Country Houses have a well-stocked bar serving local beers, wine and spirits.

√Start your day with our extensive breakfast.√ Take your fill from our famous self-service picnic lunches√ A relaxed social dinner is a highlight of any stay at our Country Houses

Your evenings

Just relax and take it easy, or if you'd like to continue to chat with our guides and fellow guests then why not grab a drink or take part in one of our optional evening activities.

All of our bars are stocked with locally sourced drinks so you can really soak up your surroundings.

Itinerary

During your Discovery Tour you'll have the opportunity to visit many fascinating places. The following is our suggested programme, and your HF Holidays' leader may adjust it at their discretion, taking into account factors such as weather, local opening times, or other events. This holiday includes active sightseeing and you should expect to spend lots of time on your feet.

Arrival day

You can check in to your room from 2.30pm onwards (premium rooms from 1pm). Please join us for afternoon tea. All guests are invited – we’ll introduce your leader and welcome you to your holiday.

Ilam Hall & the Medieval delights of Haddon Hall

We start our holiday with a short walk along the idyllic River Dove to view the stepping stones below Thorpe Cloud. A short drive brings us to the pseudo-alpine village of Ilam. We then take a gentle walk through the wooded grounds of Ilam Hall before travelling to Haddon Hall, arguably the best preserved medieval fortified manor house in the country with some stunning medieval and Elizabethan interiors, and small but exquisite gardens.

Dambusters & the plague village of Eyam

We head north to Castleton, famous for its Blue John stone, before continuing to the Derwent Dams, immortalized by The Dambusters. The afternoon will be spent in the plague village of Eyam with the option of visiting the National Trust Hall and Craft Centre before a return journey through several attractive Peak District villages and spectacular view points.

Free day

A free day for you to explore the local area or to relax in the Country House. Our Discovery Points help you make the most out of your free day. There’s plenty of maps and a selection of the best local walking routes, as well as weather forecasts and public transport options – plus details about other places to visit.

Bakewell Tarts & Chatsworth House

After spending the morning in the bustling market town of Bakewell, famous for its Bakewell Puddings, we make the short journey to Chatsworth House. Known as ‘The Palace of the Peak’ it is the ancestral home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire and is one of the most spectacular palaces in Britain, if not Europe. We will also visit the attractive estate village of Edensor.

Tissington, Sudbury and Ashbourne

We start today with a gentle stroll around the well-dressing village of Tissington. Well-dressing is an ancient custom growing in popularity and your holiday may include a visit to one of these beautiful floral displays. We then visit Sudbury Hall, which contains the Museum of Childhood. This is one of the most delightful National Trust properties in the country. We then enjoy time in the picturesque market town of Ashbourne.

World Heritage Site of Cromford Canal

After visiting the Sherwood Foresters memorial, a tribute to WWI soldiers killed in Ireland, we can enjoy a delightful walk along the Cromford Canal. We visit Arkwright’s historic mill at Cromford, a World Heritage site and the cradle of the Industrial Revolution for the textile industry world-wide.

Depart after a leisurely breakfast

For maximum flexibility, admissions are not included; please remember to bring your National Trust or English Heritage cards if you have them. Otherwise please allow up to £10 per day for entrances (there may be concessionary and group discounts which may reduce this price).

Sometimes things happen beyond our control – the weather, traffic jams or changes at the places we visit. If we need to adjust your holiday programme, for whatever reason, your leader will help smooth the way.

Local area

Discover the Peak District

The Peveril of the Peak occupies a wonderfully peaceful location in the village of Thorpe, and is surrounded by the rolling countryside of the Derbyshire Dales.

The nearest facilities are in the small town of Ashbourne, about 3 miles away. Here you’ll find a full range of shops plus supermarkets, banks, chemists, pubs and cafés.

During your stay you may enjoy visiting the following places of interest:

Dove DaleOne of the natural wonders of the Peak District, the spectacular limestone valley of Dove Dale is less than 1 mile from The Peveril of the Peak – just follow the footpath signs from the car park.

Chatsworth HouseHome to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, Chatsworth House is one of Britain’s most visited stately homes, which sits at the heart of a huge estate. Throughout the house there are fine displays of furniture, silver, tapestries, porcelain and paintings. The formal gardens cover 105 acres and include fountains, sculptures and a maze. Chatsworth is around 50 minutes' drive from The Peveril of the Peak. www.chatsworth.org

Crich Tramways VillageLocated near the village of Crich, about 45 minutes' drive away, the National Tramway Museum has an impressive collection of vintage trams which run on a recreated historic street. www.tramway.co.uk

CastletonThe popular village of Castleton is an excellent starting point for walks in the ‘Dark Peak’; just under an hour's drive away. Nearby are four extensive show caves: Peak Cavern, Blue John Cavern, Speedwell Cavern and Treak Cliff Cavern. www.castleton.co.uk/caverns

BakewellHome to the famous ‘Bakewell Pudding’, this is one of the most attractive small towns in the national park. Bakewell is around 35 minutes' drive away.

Alton TowersThe huge Alton Towers theme park is only 30 minutes' drive away and is a very popular option for families. www.altontowers.com

Tissington TrailThe Tissington Trail is just half a mile away from The Peveril of the Peak. This offers 13 miles of traffic-free cycling along a disused railway line and connects with the 17 mile High Peak Trail. Cycle hire is available nearby.

Travel

Travel to Dovedale

By train:

The nearest railway stations are Buxton or Derby. For train times and general rail enquiries visit www.nationalrail.co.uk or call 03457 484950 (from outside the UK call +44 20 7278 5240).

By taxi:

The 19 mile journey from Buxton railway station takes approximately 35 minutes; the 17 mile journey from Derby takes approx 40 minutes. Pre-booked taxis cost approx £31 per taxi. Details of our current recommended taxi company and rates will be sent to you with your booking. The return taxi journey can be arranged on your behalf by the Peveril of the Peak Manager.

Please note that the phone number for Peak Cars has changed to 07890 811 292.

By bus:

There is a bus service as far as Ashbourne, about 3 miles from our country house. From Buxton take the 442 service or from Derby catch the SW1 service. For bus times see www.traveline.info

By car:

From the south leave the M1 at junction 24 and head to Ashbourne via the A50 and A515. Continue north on the A515 heading towards Buxton. 1 mile north of Ashbourne turn left, signposted to Thorpe, Dovedale and Ilam. After a further 2 miles the road bends sharply left by the Old Dog pub. The Peveril of the Peak lies ahead at the bottom of the hill. Look out for the sign.

From Buxton take the A515 south towards Ashbourne. After 17 miles turn right at a crossroads, following signs to Thorpe, Ilam and Dovedale. After 1 mile turn right by the Old Dog pub. The Peveril of the Peak lies ahead at the bottom of the hill. Look out for the sign.

From the west leave the M6 at junction 15 and head via the A50, Cheadle (A521) and Oakamoor (A5417) to the A52. At the junction of the A52 and the A523 take the minor road signposted to Ilam. After 1½ miles turn left and descend the hill. Cross the bridge at Ilam, turn right and follow the road up a steep hill and onwards through Dovedale and Thorpe village. The Peveril of the Peak is on the left hand side at the end of the village.

Travelling from overseas

Dovedale is located in the centre of the UK, with a number of airport options.

East Midlands Airport is about 30 miles away - this is served by short-haul European flights. If you're flying here we'd recommend pre-booking a taxi direct to the Peveril of the Peak - cost about £60.

London Luton Airport has lots of low-cost European flights. From here take the shuttle bus to Luton Airport Parkway station, then on by train to Derby with 1 change at Leicester. Allow 1 hour 50 minutes to Derby - see www.nationalrail.co.uk for train times. Complete your journey by taxi (see above).

Manchester Airport has a much wider range of long-haul flights. There are trains every hour from the airport to Buxton with one change at Manchester Piccadilly. Allow 1 hour 40 minutes to Buxton - see www.nationalrail.co.uk for train times. Complete your journey by taxi (see above).

Flying to London Heathrow Airport is another option, but has a longer onward train journey - allow 3 hours to reach Derby. From Heathrow first take the Piccadilly line Underground train to London St Pancras. From here take a train to direct to Derby - see www.nationalrail.co.uk for train times. Complete your journey by taxi (see above).

Leaders

Jill Durnford

Brought up in south-east England, Jill has lived in the West Country, Scotland and, since 1998, Cumbria. She has a real passion for Britain, its history, geology and wildlife and loves sharing that with other people. She loves visiting stately homes and gardens but is also interested in how ordinary people lived in the past. Jill works as a Blue Badge Guide which is the perfect job for combining her wide range of interests with a love of communicating with people.

I cannot praise Jill enough. She was a mine of information which she put over in an interesting way. She organised everyone efficiently and pleasantly and ensured everyone felt included and had a good time.

Phil Laverack

A dedicated traveller, Phil researches all his holidays with enthusiasm and dedication. He has trekked all over the world for cancer and children's charities and has a love of the countryside born out of his childhood within the boundaries of the North Yorkshire National Park. History has always been a fascination for him. As a guide Phil hopes the guests on his tours will leave having had a pleasurable and memorable experience and been part of a happy team that really did “discover”.

Took us to some small interesting local features as well as the more obvious tourist attractions. He had researched the area well and had planned and organised very lovely venues for lunch!

Chrissie Le Marchant

Chrissie grew up in Yorkshire and spent her early years exploring the North York Moors. Having obtained a degree in Geology and Geography, she spent the next few years working for an international mining company, prospecting in the West Country and gold mining in Africa, driving home overland from Johannesburg via India.

She spent the next few years raising children and working for two National Parks, Snowdonia and Dartmoor. After training as a teacher of design technology she returned to civil engineering building roads. Eventually she became a Blue Badge Tourist Guide and has worked in the West Country and southern England and all over Europe as a guide and tour manager.

As a ‘Deviationist’ on the Ffestiniog Railway she drove trains, tipped wagons and appeared on Blue Peter and has been leading railway holidays for several years.

Chrissie was superb and made the week memorable. She was super and very knowledgeable about everything.